Senior Living Tab 2016

SPECIAL SECTION 4 TAB

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016 |

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Senior Living May 1, 2016 © FOTOLIA

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SENIOR LIVING

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SENIOR LIVING | LIFE AFTER WORK

Avoid Retirement Burnout

Y

ou worked your whole life with a vision of retirement as a motivating factor. Maybe you saw yourself sitting on a beach or swinging on your favorite golf course. What many seniors find in retirement, however, is boredom. new things is a great way to fight burnout with your other daily routines.

Hear Better. Live Better.

DON’T LOSE TOUCH WITH YOUR CAREER

© FOTOLIA

Think about it: You’ve been used to having your days structured for 20 or more years of your working life. Then retirement hits and you’re free to wake up, travel and enjoy leisurely activities at your own pace.

If you’re a creature of habit, this kind of freedom can actually be a challenge.

Fortunately, there are many steps seniors can take to make sure they remain engaged, happy and socially active in their golden years.

TRY NEW THINGS If you’re experiencing a certain level of retirement boredom, maybe the issue is that you’re not challenging yourself. Trying new activities and meeting new people are the best ways to keep you on your toes.

Liven things up by joining a new class at your local community college. Financials, the arts, technology — many subjects are offered to nontraditional students like yourself. Being a lifelong learner has its advantages, and challenging your mind to learn

It’s hard to let go of your career after the many years you’ve devoted to it.

Maintaining industry connections can help you keep your edge and expertise.

Stay current on industry trends and even do some light consulting work if you’re up for it.

Consider joining a local or even virtual association of professionals from your career background. This will not only keep you in the loop but can lead to new relationships, which are always recommended for people finding themselves bored or disengaged in retirement.

STAY POSITIVE You want to be known as someone who acts his age but evokes a youthful attitude.

Staying positive about life and the people around you can help you maintain the right kind of mindset.

Be energetic and jovial around others to spread your positivity. You will be regarded as someone with a true passion for life and as someone with whom others want to spend more time. This can open up new relationships and activities to help keep you happy.

Hearing aids help people remain active and socially involved. Call Black Hawk Hearing Aid Center today for your Complimentary Baseline Hearing Screening.

Jeff Smith

National Board Certified Hearing Instrument

Seema Arab

Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology

Angela Mollenhoff M.S., Clinical Audiologist

Black Hawk Hearing Aid Center

Our family serving yours for over 54 years!

3138 Kimball Ave., Waterloo 319-234-4360 or 800-728-4327 Sartori Professional Building, 516 South Division St, Suite 135, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 www.HearingUnlimitedWaterloo.com

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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH

Getting the Flu Shot With information about the flu hitting the airwaves and newspaper pages, you may be asking yourself if it’s worth getting the flu shot. The answer from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a resounding “yes.”

The CDC recommends all people ages six months and older get a flu shot, especially those who are older than 65.

Seniors and caregivers can watch for common flu symptoms in order to identify and pursue treatment of the flu.

These warning signs include

fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache and cough. Other signs can include pneumonia and diarrhea, which can be severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

It is never too late to get protected. October through May marks the highest risk time for contracting the flu, and seniors are encouraged to get vaccinated before and during this season.

If you have a caretaker or are around family members often, the CDC also urges these people

to receive the flu shot to avoid potentially spreading the virus to you.

You can get a flu shot at your doctor’s office, hospitals, clinics and many pharmacies. Be sure to ask about Medicare and your insurance coverage to make sure you’re paying the correct amount.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES Along with the flu shot, there are a few recommendations from the CDC that seniors should incorporate into their daily lives. The CDC suggests consistently good hand hygiene

by washing with warm water and soap.

Hand sanitizers can be used when soap and water are not available but are not quite as effective in eliminating all germs.

Other recommendations from the CDC: • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and immediately dispose of tissue properly; • Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes; • Avoid contact with people who are sick;

• If you are sick, stay home in order to reduce the chance of spreading the flu; • Rest, fluids and some medications to relieve symptoms will help you get better; • Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated; and • Eat a balanced, healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables.

A OV E N L AD E R ®® II N A P PR ROVEN LE EA DER N

In satisfaction In ManorCare ManorCare -- Waterloo’s Waterloo’s customer customer satisfaction survey, survey, 92.3% 92.3% of of our our patients patients would would * * Contact us today for more information or to recommend our center to others. recommend our center to others. Contact us today for more information or to schedule schedule aa tour. tour. *Center data gathered for 1st Quarter 2016 based on patients discharged for ManorCare Health Services - Waterloo. *Center data gathered for 1st Quarter 2016 based on patients discharged for ManorCare Health Services - Waterloo.

ManorCare ManorCare Health Health Services Services -- Waterloo Waterloo 201 West Ridgeway Avenue • Waterloo, 201 West Ridgeway Avenue • Waterloo, IA IA 50701 50701 319.234.7777 • manorcare.com/Waterloo 319.234.7777 • manorcare.com/Waterloo

©2016HCR HCRManorCare ManorCare ©2016

ManorCare ManorCare Health Health Services Services -- Waterloo Waterloo is is rooted rooted in in the the Waterloo Waterloo community community providing providing skilled nursing and rehabilitation services for those transitioning from hospital skilled nursing and rehabilitation services for those transitioning from hospital to to home home as as well well as as long-term long-term care care services services for for those those no no longer longer able able to to manage manage at at home. home.

Our dedicated team is proud to touch the lives of patients every day.

Our dedicated team is proud to touch the lives of patients every day.

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SENIOR LIVING

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SENIOR LIVING | AGING IN PLACE

Bathroom Renovation Tips

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eniors are remodeling their homes to both make them more functional and fabulous. New technologies in tile, construction materials and design make it a great time to be a homeowner who enjoys improving the home little by little.

NEWALDAYA

LIFESCAPES © FOTOLIA

One of the rooms of focus for seniors is the bathroom.

That’s because bathrooms return the highest percentage of your investment in renovation. Bathrooms also are where the risk of falling is the greatest due to slippery surfaces or hard-to-enter tubs.

Before planning your next bathroom project, first decide the amount of work that needs to be done. Are you going to be executing a complete overhaul or are your simply replacing a vanity? Make sure to budget correctly to avoid hidden costs. The cost difference between pulling off your renovation yourself and hiring a contractor is large.

Consider if you’re up to the challenge or if you prefer someone else to take care of the work.

When planning your home renovation, particularly in the bathroom, follow the tips below.

WOOD-LOOK TILE? If it’s been a while since you last renovated your home, you might be surprised to learn that a major breakthrough in the tile industry has made it possible for homeowners to get the luxurious look of wood tile without the worry of damage caused by moisture.

Wood-look porcelain tile comes in a variety of colors and finishes while appearing just like classic hardwoods you may have in other parts of your home. The tile is durable and can stand up well to high-moisture areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Check in with your local tile

manufacturer for pricing and installation requirements.

TUB & SHOWER ADDITIONS In addition to the cosmetics of your renovated bathroom, don’t forget about the safety features on the market. Rails are great aids for senior citizens, especially if they experience any mobility issues. Consider your height before installing rails to make sure they’ll work for you.

Installing rails both in and directly outside the shower can offer seniors safety when entering and exiting the tub.

Another way to make showers safer is to install a new unit that features little to no step at the entry. There are ways to angle the drainage of your water so that you can have a leak-free area that is also safe to use.

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PAGE 5

SENIOR LIVING | HEALTH

Benefits of Joining a Gym

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aybe you’re looking to drop a few pounds per your doctor’s request or simply looking for an indoor activity during inclement weather.

Either way, joining a gym could be the answer you’re looking for.

Many gyms have discount programs available to senior citizens looking to stay in

available. Gyms are great places to build new relationships with people.

Don’t be afraid to ask other gym members about their workout routines and dietary habits. Most people are happy to share this information with FIND A FRIEND others.

Exercising by yourself is PAY PER VISIT OR A enjoyable but having someone MEMBERSHIP? to talk to during workouts Before signing up for a makes for a more engaging long-term contract, make sure experience. Before joining a you have realistic gym, ask your peers if anyone expectations of how often wants to sign up with you. you’ll be using the gym to Don’t fret if no one is exercise or swim. If you see

shape, making joining as affordable as it is fun. With regular senior programs and indoor swimming opportunities, you may find that your local gym is the perfect fit.

yourself as a sporadic user, your money may be better spent in other areas.

One experiment by the American Association of Retired Persons asked people to predict how often they’d go to a gym, then tracked their behavior. Subjects went less often than they thought they would. Some went more than 200 percent less frequently than they originally intended.

Ask yourself the following questions when considering membership vs. paying per visit:

• How many times per month am I going to make it to the gym?

• Is the cost of a monthly membership higher or lower than if I paid per workout?

• Could I cut down on the number of gym workouts and do some of the exercise — especially cardio — at home?

Analyze your answers and make the decision that best fits your budget and schedule.

The first step in making the right decisions for you and your family is having the information you need.

LifeLong LifeLong Links™ Links™ is is Iowa’s Iowa’s network network of of Aging Aging and and Disability Disability Resource Resource Centers, Centers, designed designed to to connect connect older Iowans, adults with disabilities, veterans and their caregivers with the information older Iowans, adults with disabilities, veterans and their caregivers with the information and and resources they need to plan for long-term independent living. resources they need to plan for long-term independent living.

Administered Administered by by the the Iowa Iowa Department Department on on Aging, Aging, LifeLong LifeLong Links Links is is available available to to all all Iowans Iowans who who need home and community-based services and is accessible through physical locations across need home and community-based services and is accessible through physical locations across Iowa, Iowa, aa toll-free toll-free call call center center and and aa website. website.

Contact Contact us us today today to to identify identify which which supports supports and and services services are are available available in in your your area area and and start start achieving achieving your your goals goals for for independence independence and and full full participation participation in in your your community. community.

Visit Visit www.lifelonglinks.org www.lifelonglinks.org or or call call 1.866.468.7887 1.866.468.7887 to to get get started started today! today!

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SENIOR LIVING | HEALTHY LIVING

Be a Healthy Role Model V

ibrant, health-focused seniors can be strong role models to the young people in their lives.

Teaching life lessons and giving advice can go a long way in strengthening your relationships with grandchildren, students and the kids in the neighborhood.

But nothing is more important than the eating, drinking and exercise decisions you make in front of the youth around you.

Making healthy decisions is not difficult, especially when you consider how much influence your actions have on the people looking up to you.

With a little planning and some common sense, you can make sure your dietary choices give you the essential vitamins and minerals needed to fuel your body in a healthy way.

For physical activity, a little effort goes a long way in showing youth how remaining active can reap positive benefits.

Staying committed to these healthy choices can help keep those around you in great shape, too.

SAVE THE SNACKS

© FOTOLIA

You know the stereotype.

At grandma and grandpa’s house, vegetables are out and candy is in. “Spoil them and send them home!,” the old saying goes. But if you’re

looking to make a positive effect on the eating habits of your grandchildren, that adage isn’t going to work.

Saving desserts and candy for special occasions will help youngsters understand your expectations. Offer plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables — and do so in a fun way. Place carrots, celery and raisins in the form of a funny face on the plate or encourage your grandchildren to make shapes of their own.

Anything to make them associate positivity and fun with healthy eating is a plus.

JOIN IN WITH GAMES

When it comes to physical activity, you can set a positive example by involving yourself with your grandchildren’s games and sports. Offer to play catch in the backyard or learn a new sport. You can be a great role model while also getting in a cardio workout along the way.

The benefits of regular physical activity are both immediate and long lasting.

Make an impact on the children around you by showing them how exercise makes you feel better, healthier and ready to take on the day.

What Does MyLife Retirement “MyLife, to me, means I serve those who serve. Our management team and staff have the vision of creating an Living inviting, individual, and secure home for people who live with us. Everyone Mean to here makes it a caring community that stimulates, energizes, and engages.

You? ” Lisa Gates president/ceo

This UNI grad (Accounting) joined The Village 16 years ago as CFO before her promotion. Lisa loves to travel and spend time with her husband, two grown kids, and grandkids. Church, volunteering, and bike riding top her ‘free time’ list.

(319) 291-8100 FriendshipVillageIowa.com

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SENIOR LIVING

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016

SENIOR LIVING | FINANCES

F

Save Money on Interest

or many of us these days, finding ways to lower bills and expenses is a regular activity. Groceries and household items continue to rise in price, as do services such as Internet, cable and electricity.

You’re not just a patient.

You’re a grandparent.

© FOTOLIA

It is up to us to make smart decisions when it comes to finances so we have enough money stowed away when the time comes to retire. In today’s landscape of rising prices, every little bit counts.

That’s why restructuring your credit card interest rate and terms is so important. You can put money back into your pocket simply by negotiating with a representative at your credit card company. In a matter of minutes, you could find yourself on the better end of an interest rate that saves you big bucks.

A 2014 survey by CreditCards.com found that about 80 percent of senior

citizens who asked their credit card companies for a lower rate got it. The odds of a card issuer showing leniency on late payments also improved with age.

For instance, one-third of people ages 18 to 29 received a lower rate for asking, according to the poll. That success rate reached 80 percent among those 50 to 64.

HOW TO NEGOTIATE YOUR RATE

By checking websites such as CreditCards.com, Bankrate.com and CardRatings.com, you can easily find standard rates for credit cards.

A quick scan of those sites in late 2015 found the average annual interest rate to be around 15 percent. If your rate is hovering around 19 or 20 percent, it could be worth a call to your credit card company to negotiate a better rate.

When it comes time to negotiate your rate, remember that these companies are trying their best to retain you as a customer. Be firm, but cordial in your request for a lower rate. Check to see if they are running any special rates for long-time customers with a record of paying on time.

CARING FOR YOURSELF MEANS YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR GRANDCHILDREN. If you’re a grandparent, you want to be able to enjoy your grandchildren to the fullest! At Covenant Clinic, we’re here to take care of you.

It’s important to get regular checkups to screen for potential health risks and stay on track so you can enjoy these years.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

319.272.5000

WheatonIowa.org/clinics

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PAGE 9

SENIOR LIVING | CAREER

T

Starting a Business

he entrepreneurial bug may have hit you when you least expected, or perhaps you’re a lifelong business person looking to continue your old ways in retirement.

© FOTOLIA

Starting a business late in life is becoming more prevalent among the age range of 55 to 64. And the benefits of doing so can make those traditionally low-key retirement days more fastpaced and exciting.

Consider these facts: • According to a recent BusinessWeek report, senior citizens are more likely than young people to start a business.

• The U.S. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports that the rate of entrepreneurial activity among senior Americans continues to increase every year, while the rate among younger Americans is in decline.

WHAT’S BEHIND THE SHIFT? When trying to decipher why more older Americans

are starting businesses compared to their younger counterparts, there are many factors to consider. Many older Americans are in a better financial state and can take the calculated risks that come with starting a business.

They may not have to take out a loan or acquire funding to get their idea off the ground. Financial stability is one of the cornerstones of a startup operation, so having a reserve fund from which to draw in the initial stages of a business’ growth is vital.

Accumulated savings and lower expenses are generally behind this financial security.

Compare that to a younger business person with kids at home and more bills, and you can see where the financial benefits favor the elder entrepreneur.

FOLLOWING THE DREAM

For many businessmen and women, starting a business may be a lifelong goal, one that can’t tangibly be realized until later in life. This passion to start something all their own can be a driving force for many seniors opting to launch their business idea to the masses.

They key is channeling this love for the business into productive, strategic decisions that help drive revenue growth. Hire people around you who are specialists in various fields required to make a business succeed — fields like financial management, marketing, sales and social media. Let the experts be the experts and you could have a burgeoning business in no time.

stay active for better health outcomes.

Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center Medical Arts Center

2055 Kimball Avenue Ste 101 Waterloo, IA 50702 319-272-2112 www.familypracticecenter.org

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SENIOR LIVING

SENIOR LIVING | HOBBIES

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“

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Seniors & Gardening

ardening is one of the greatest hobbies for seniors because it requires concentration, physical work and a demanding initial investment of your time and sweat equity. But it’s the results that make it all worthwhile.

Cedar Valley Hospice’s goal is to make sure every day is as good as possible. The sooner patients are enrolled into hospice, the easier for them.

Families are amazed at what we can do.”

© FOTOLIA

The vibrant pops of color.

The bounty of fruit and vegetables. Gardens are so loved by many people young and old because of this special gratification that comes with planting something from seed and watching it grow into something so useful and beautiful.

HEALTH BENEFITS Gardens are healthbeneficial, not only because of the healthy food they produce but because of the activity level required to maintain them. Seniors can get great exercise from planting and tending to their gardens.

While staying safe in the summertime heat can be a challenge, proper hydration and common sense can ensure that gardening gives you the right amount of physical exercise needed to keep your

body and mind in great shape. growing process.

LOW-MAINTENANCE PLANTS

USING CONTAINERS Using planters and other The versatility of plants types of movable planting and produce make it easy for options make it easier for you gardeners of all levels of to do some of your work in expertise get in on the action. the shade or even inside. You If you’re not looking to can handle chores such as devote too much of your time pruning and trimming while to upkeep — some plants out of the heat, helping you require intensive year-round conserve your energy for care — there are plenty of watering your plants. options at your disposal in Find ceramic pots with terms of the plants that fit holes in the bottom for lowyour plans. maintenance plants. This Low-maintenance plants allows the water to soak such as black-eyed-Susans or through the soil and out of the peonies grow rapidly and pot. Keeping plants contained healthfully without too much to smaller areas such as pots of your time or attention. and planters also helps avoid These can be great options for needing too much potting soil someone simply looking to or mulch, which are brighten up a specific area of oftentimes required to the yard. You can also choose maintain larger areas. planters that won’t require weeding for an even simpler

– Dr. Michael Deters, Cedar Valley Hospice Asst. Medical Director

Call to learn how our experts can help your loved ones live better today!

319.272.2002 :: cvhospice.org :: 800.617.1972 waterloo . grundy center . independence waverly . hospice home

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PAGE 11

SENIOR LIVING | SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

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Three Reasons You Should Be Volunteering

enior citizens across the country are taking advantage of an activity that can make them feel better physically and mentally, while also helping others achieve the same.

Volunteering is sweeping the nationduring a time when people need it the most.

Senior citizens are rejecting slowpaced retirements and instead focusing on itching the altruistic scratch that they haven’t been able to get to until now. The free time retirement affords can open doors you didn’t know were possible — doors that bring you closer to your community members and help you learn more about what really counts in life.

BRING YOUR EXPERIENCE Many retired seniors with seasoned professional backgrounds are lending their skill sets to make a difference in their town or city.

Do you have experience as a business executive? Consider volunteering your expertise to a local nonprofit in need of entrepreneurial direction.

Are you a retired accountant?

Your knowledge may be helpful to a community- focused organization in need of expert bookkeeping or financial planning guidance. The list goes on.

Whatever your specialty, there is likely a nonprofit in your neck of the woods that could benefit from your volunteer services.

IT’S IN THE RESEARCH Volunteerism isn’t just beneficial for those in need.

Research shows that volunteers benefit just as much from their efforts. Mental and physical health has been proven to improve in people who choose to volunteer.

The National Institute on Aging has reported that participating in social leisure activities and meaningful, productive activities such as volunteering maylower the risk of health problems in seniors, including dementia, as well as improving longevity.

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Two neighborhoods.

Two timelines for moving, now or later.

One choice... yours!

Enjoy this summer at Willowwood near thriving downtown Cedar Falls!

Live in a charming tree-lined neighborhood next to recreational trails with easy access to unique shops, restaurants and services.

• Maintenance, housekeeping and transportation included • Restaurant-style meals in redecorated dining room; salon on site • Lease and flexible financing options available at Willowwood Call Katie Corson at (319) 242-5742 to arrange a tour today.

Give yourself a year to plan the move to Prairie Wind near Prairie Parkway!

Live in a growing area of south Cedar Falls near bustling Viking Road retail outlets and recreational trails.

• Maintenance, housekeeping and transportation included • Enjoy easy access to a wellness/community center with restaurant, pool and outpatient therapy • Two weeks remain to customize your cabinets, countertops and flooring

Call Maria Murphy at (319) 242-5742 to see floor plans and reserve your home.

www.WesternHomeCommunities.org